Review Summary:

The Bentley Continental GT is a car that doesn't require much of an introduction. Having debuted in 1952, the Continental is the sportiest vehicle in the brand’s line-up and is currently available with a tin roof, or a little open-top action for those who prefer the wind ruffling their hair.

Pros

Performance figures rise from brilliant in 'standard' spec, to phenomenal once you dig deep enough into your pockets.

Cons

The cabin is a lot tighter than you're led to believe.

Looks

The styling of the Continental GT is typical of a Bentley and hasn’t undergone much alteration since its redesign in 2003. Distinguishing the 2015 Bentley Continental GT from its V8, Speed and V8 S counterparts, is a darkened grille, lowered suspension and a unique set of wheels. Admire it from whatever angle you may, but it’s hard to argue that the Continental isn’t an absolute stunner.

Feels

In typical Bentley flair, there’s ample wood trim and soft touch leather all around the cabin, however, there is an underlying issue which the optimistic people at Bentley have conveniently looked beyond. Sold as a 2+2 Grand Tourer, the Continental GT packs in supremely comfortable seats that are snug enough to ensure the driver and front seat passenger enjoy highway driving as much as they would enjoy zooming down a twisty patch of tarmac. Hop into the rear seats, -or at least try to- and you’ll understand that the Continental GT is merely a 2 seater with space in the back only for adults lacking either a torso, or a pair of legs.

Engineering

In terms of tech, the Continental isn’t lacking on any count and offers all that we have come to expect from a premium vehicle in this day and age. Ventilated seats, dual zone air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, airbags all around, an electric boot lid and a Volkswagen derived multimedia system that offers the usual navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and rear view camera.

What’s on offer?

While torque figures start at a “paltry” 660 Nm in the Continental GT V8 and climb to 680 Nm, 720 Nm and 820 Nm in the Continental GT V8 S, Continental GT and Continental GT Speed respectively, horsepower figures aren’t exactly lacking. Producing 582 horsepower from the most compact 12-cylinder engine in the world, the standard Continental GT touches a top speed of 318 km/h and scurries to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. Enter the Continental GT V8 S, with its twin-turbo V8 however, and you arrive at the 100 km/h marker in 4.5 seconds. The star of the bunch, however, remains the 2015 Bentley Continental GT Speed, with its twin-turbo 6.0 litre engine which churns out 626 horsepower and 820 Nm of torque, to sprint to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Of course, that’s for those who haven’t heard of the Continental GT3 R, which costs AED 1,300,000 and will slingshot you from 0 – 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds.

Summing it…

If you’re considering buying a Bentley, there’s probably a part of you that wants to be noticed and wants to be a little different from the rest. With the 2015 Bentley Continental GT, you get just that. Because if you stay within coupe domain, you can have the most compact 12-cylinder engine in the world and brag about it too. However, if you happen to want an open top, you can always opt for the Continental GT Speed Convertible and be one step ahead of your neighbours, with the fastest 4-seater convertible in the world. It’s a win-win.

Search By Make & Model

Top rated road tests

A tech marvel that commands respect if only for its breadth of abilities, even if you're not a fan of the looks or have subjective qualms - the latest Mercedes-AMG S 63 ups the power, ups the performance, and the luxury. It ups the ante. It's a supercar with massaging seats

Most popular new cars

Fascinated with the Function keys on a keyboard, the Chinese automotive brand follows a naming regiment that sees models receiving names based on numbers, followed by the letter F. The 2014 BYD F3 is China’s Compact Car that falls into the C-segment and faces competition from the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer and the Korean Kia Cerato.

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a great looking SUV and, being a Toyota, it will certainly be a tough old dog. But with the latest version there is a sense that it is moving away from its off-road intentions to become a more family orientated work horse.